Lake County prepares for red, white and blue Fourth of July

(Tom Benitez, Orlando Sentinel…)

July 3, 2014|Sentinel staff report

Patriotism will be on display across Lake County today as residents don flag T-shirts or wave Old Glory during community celebrations topped off by dazzling fireworks displays — the possibility of rain notwithstanding.

Organizers of Fourth of July festivities promise a lot of good-old fashioned fun — much of it designed to keep energetic kids entertained:

•Watermelon-eating and hula-hoop contests will be featured at the south Lake celebration at Groveland's Lake David Park.

•A water slide and amazing-race challenge stations will lure the younger set at Eustis' event at Ferran Park.

•Rides, a bungee bounce, face painting and an opportunity to cool off in the Splash Park at Wooton Park are highlights of Tavares' bash.

•A kids play zone featuring jump houses, games and free snacks are planned for Leesburg's party at Venetian Gardens.

Residents also can tap their toes to plenty of music.

•Country singer Bucky Covington, a top-10 finalist of the 2006 "American Idol" TV program, will be among the performers at Lake David Park.